초록

This disclosure includes an activatable oxygen scavenger used as a part of a packaging structure for comestibles.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A polymeric laminate having only solid layers which comprises: a. at least one polymeric protective layer in protective relation to an oxygen scavenger material in another layer of the laminate, and b. a polymeric layer having incorporated therein a dry oxygen scavenger material, the material

1. A polymeric laminate having only solid layers which comprises: a. at least one polymeric protective layer in protective relation to an oxygen scavenger material in another layer of the laminate, and b. a polymeric layer having incorporated therein a dry oxygen scavenger material, the material being capable of a passive state for prolonged periods of time during which the oxygen scavenger will not directly react with oxygen, and triggerable to an active state when wetted with water which has selectively permeated the protective layer from outside the laminate, whereupon the oxygen scavenger will directly react with oxygen, wherein said protective layer is substantially resistant to permeation by water at ambient temperature and has enhanced transmission of water at elevated temperatures and therefore is selectively capable of permeation by water at an elevated temperature to thereby selectively permit the water to contact said oxygen scavenger material to convert it from the passive to the active state. 2. The laminate of claim 1 wherein a second polymeric protective layer is disposed on the side of said oxygen scavenger layer opposite to said first protective layer. 3. The laminate of claim 2 wherein a polymeric oxygen barrier layer is provided between said oxygen scavenger layer and said first protective layer. 4. The laminate of claim 2 wherein a second polymeric oxygen barrier layer is a protective layer. 5. The laminate of claim 3 wherein an outer polymeric protective layer is disposed on the free side of said oxygen scavenger layer and a second polymeric oxygen barrier layer is provided between said oxygen scavenger layer and said second polymeric protective layer. 6. A polymeric laminate having only solid layers comprised of: a polymeric oxygen barrier layer, and, adhered thereto, at least one polymeric protective layer in protective relation to a dry oxygen scavenger material incorporated in said polymeric protective layer, said oxygen scavenger material, being capable of a passive state for prolonged periods of time in which the oxygen scavenger will not directly react with oxygen, and triggerable to an active state when wetted with water which has selectively permeated the protective polymeric layer from outside thereof, whereupon the oxygen scavenger will directly react with oxygen, wherein said protective layer is substantially resistant to permeation by water at ambient temperature and has enhanced transmission of water at elevated temperatures and therefore is selectively capable of permeation by water at an elevated temperature to thereby selectively permit the water to contact said oxygen scavenger material to convert it from the passive to the active state. 7. The laminate of claim 6 wherein an outer polymeric layer is provided adjacent the oxygen barrier layer on the side opposite to said scavenger layer. 8. The laminate of claim 6 wherein a second polymeric oxygen barrier layer is disposed on the side of said oxygen scavenger layer, opposite to the first polymeric oxygen barrier layer. 9. A polymeric laminate having only solid layers which comprises: a. a polymeric oxygen barrier layer, b. at least one polymeric protective layer in protective relation to a scavenger material incorporated in another layer of the laminate, c. a polymeric layer between said oxygen barrier layer and said protective layer and having therein a dry oxygen scavenger composition, the composition being capable of a passive state for prolonged periods of time during which the oxygen scavenger will not directly react with oxygen, and adapted to be triggered to an active state when wetted with water which has selectively permeated the protective layer from outside of the laminate, whereupon the oxygen scavenger will directly react with oxygen, wherein said protective layer is substantially resistant to permeation by water at ambient temperature and has enhanced transmission of water at elevated temperatures and therefore is selectively capable of permeation by water at an elevated temperature to thereby selectively permit the water to contact said oxygen scavenger material to convert it from the passive to the active state. 10. A polymeric laminate having only solid layers which comprises: a. a polymeric oxygen barrier layer, b. at least one polymeric protective layer in protective relation to an oxygen scavenger material in another layer of the laminate, c. a polymeric layer between said oxygen barrier layer and said protective layer and having therein a dry oxygen scavenger material, the material being capable of a passive state for prolonged periods of time during which the oxygen scavenger will not directly react with oxygen, and adapted to be triggered to an active state when wetted with water which has selectively permeated the protective layer from outside of the laminate, whereupon the oxygen scavenger will directly react with oxygen, d. an outer polymeric protective layer adjacent the oxygen barrier layer on the side opposite to said scavenger layer wherein said protective layers are substantially resistant to permeation by water at ambient temperature and have enhanced transmission of water at elevated temperatures and therefore is selectively capable of permeation by water at an elevated temperature to thereby selectively permit the water to contact said oxygen scavenger material to convert it from the passive to the active state. 11. The laminate of claim 10 wherein a first adhesive layer is provided between said oxygen scavenger layer and said oxygen barrier layer, and a second adhesive layer is provided between said oxygen barrier layer and said polymeric layer. 12. The laminate of claim 10 wherein said scavenger layer is a polymeric adhesive containing said dry oxygen scavenger composition and a second adhesive layer is provided between said barrier layer and said outer polymeric layer. 13. A polymeric laminate having only solid layers which comprises: a. a polymeric oxygen barrier layer, b. first and second polymeric layers, c. at least one first and second polymeric protective layers in protective relationship to said first and second polymeric layers, said first polymeric layer being located between said oxygen barrier layer and said first protective layer and said second polymeric layer being between said oxygen barrier layer and said second protective layer, said first and second polymeric layers having therein a dry oxygen scavenger material, the material being capable of a passive state for prolonged periods of time during which the oxygen scavenger will not directly react with oxygen, and adapted to be triggered to an active state when wetted with water which has selectively permeated a protective layer from outside of the laminate, whereupon the oxygen scavenger will directly react with oxygen, wherein said protective layers are substantially resistant to permeation by water at ambient temperature and have enhanced transmission of water at elevated temperatures and therefore are selectively capable of permeation by water at an elevated temperature to thereby selectively permit the water to contact said oxygen scavenger material to convert it from the passive to the active state. 14. The laminate of claims 1, 9, 10 or 13 wherein said protective layer has enhanced transmission of water at elevated temperatures amd becomes substantially resistant to permeation by water when cooled, so that the water which has permeated does not exit the laminate through said cooled protective layer, so that the scavenger material remains activated to absorb oxygen. 15. The laminate of claims 1, 6, 9, 10 or 13 wherein said oxygen scavenger material is an alkali and a gelatin and that said gelatin has been heat treated with or without said alkali. 16. The laminate of claim 15 wherein said heat treatment consists of raising the temperature of said gelatin to greater than 300° F. for more than 5 minutes. 17. The laminate of claim 15 wherein said heat treatment consists of raising the temperature of said oxygen scavenger material to greater than 300° F. for more than 5 minutes. 18. The laminate of claim 15 wherein said alkali is sodium hydroxide. 19. The laminate of claims 1, 6, 9, 10 or 13 wherein the oxygen scavenger material is adapted to be triggered by water at an elevated temperature during retorting. 20. The laminate of claims 1, 6, 9, 10 or 13 wherein the dry oxygen scavenger material is a singular material. 21. The laminate of claims 1, 6, 9, 10 or 13 wherein the oxygen scavenger material is incapable of self-generating water and is triggerable without the action of any other material in the laminate. 22. The laminate of claims 1, 6, 9, 10 or 13 wherein said oxygen scavenger material is a sulfite salt. 23. The laminate of claim 22 wherein said salt is potassium sulfite. 24. The laminate of claims 1, 6, 9, 10 or 13 wherein there is a plurality of said protective layers overlying said oxygen scavenger layer. 25. The laminate of claims 1, 9, 10 or 13 wherein said polymeric protective layer is olefinic. 26. The laminate of claim 25 wherein said olefinic material is a melt blend of polyethylene and polypropylene. 27. The laminate of claim 26 wherein said polyethylene and polypropylene are in substantially equal proportions. 28. The laminate of claims 6, 9, 10 or 13 wherein said oxygen barrier layer is an ethylene vinyl alcohol co-polymer. 29. The laminate of claims 6, 9, 10 or 13 wherein said layers are laminated and the oxygen scavenger material is within a melt processible polymeric layer which is in contact with said oxygen barrier layer and said polymeric protective layer. 30. The laminate of claim 29 wherein said layers are co-extruded. 31. The laminate of claim 29 wherein said layers are co-injected. 32. The laminate of claim 29 wherein said layers are thermoformed. 33. The laminate of claim 29 wherein said melt processible polymeric layer is olefinic. 34. A multilayer polymeric container which includes a wall which is a laminate, the laminate having only solid layers which comprises: a. at least one polymeric protective layer in protective relation to an oxygen scavenger layer, and b. a polymeric layer having incorporated therein a dry oxygen scavenger material, the material being capable of a passive state for prolonged periods of time during which the oxygen scavenger will not directly react with oxygen, and triggerable to an active state when wetted with water which has selectively permeated the protective layer from outside the laminate, whereupon the oxygen scavenger will directly react with oxygen, wherein said protective layer is substantially resistant to permeation by water at ambient temperature and has enhanced transmission of water at elevated temperatures and therefore is selectively capable of permeation by water at an elevated temperature to thereby selectively permit the water to contact said oxygen scavenger material to convert it from the passive to the active state. 35. The container of claim 34 wherein a second polymeric protective layer is disposed on the side of said oxygen scavenger layer opposite to said first protective layer. 36. The container of claim 35 wherein a polymeric oxygen barrier layer is provided between said oxygen scavenger layer and said first protective layer. 37. The container of claim 35 wherein a second polymeric oxygen barrier layer is a protective layer. 38. The container of claim 36 wherein an outer polymeric protective layer is disposed on the free side of said oxygen scavenger layer and a second polymeric oxygen barrier layer is provided between said oxygen scavenger layer and said second polymeric protective layer. 39. A multilayer polymeric container which includes a wall which is a laminate, the laminate having only solid layers comprised of: a polymeric oxygen barrier layer, and, adhered thereto, at least one polymeric protective layer in protective relation to a dry oxygen scavenger material incorporated in said polymeric protective layer, said oxygen scavenger material, being capable of a passive state for prolonged periods of time in which the oxygen scavenger will not directly react with oxygen, and triggerable to an active state when wetted with water which has selectively permeated the protective polymeric layer from outside thereof, whereupon the oxygen scavenger will directly react with oxygen, wherein said protective layer is substantially resistant to permeation by water at ambient temperature and has enhanced transmission of water at elevated temperatures and therefore is selectively capable of permeation by water at an elevated temperature to thereby selectively permit the water to contact said oxygen scavenger material to convert it from the passive to the active state. 40. The container of claim 39 wherein an outer polymeric layer is provided adjacent the oxygen barrier layer on the side opposite to said scavenger layer. 41. The container of claim 39 wherein a second polymeric oxygen barrier layer is disposed on the side of said oxygen scavenger layer, opposite to the first polymeric oxygen barrier layer. 42. A multilayer polymeric container which includes a wall which is a laminate, the laminate having only solid layers which comprises: a. a polymeric oxygen barrier layer, b. at least one polymeric protective layer in protective relation to a scavenger material incorporated in another layer of the laminate, c. a polymeric layer between said oxygen barrier layer and said protective layer and having therein a dry oxygen scavenger composition, the composition being capable of a passive state for prolonged periods of time during which the oxygen scavenger will not directly react with oxygen, and adapted to be triggered to an active state when wetted with water which has selectively permeated the protective layer from outside of the laminate, whereupon the oxygen scavenger will directly react with oxygen, wherein said protective layer is substantially resistant to permeation by water at ambient temperature and has enhanced transmission of water at elevated temperatures and therefore is selectively capable of permeation by water at an elevated temperature to thereby selectively permit the water to contact said oxygen scavenger material to convert it from the passive to the active state. 43. A multilayer polymeric container which includes a wall which is a laminate, the laminate having only solid layers which comprises: a. a polymeric oxygen barrier layer, b. at least one polymeric protective layer in protective relation to an oxygen scavenger material in another layer of the laminate, c. a polymeric layer between said oxygen barrier layer and said protective layer and having therein a dry oxygen scavenger composition, the composition being capable of a passive state for prolonged periods of time during which the oxygen scavenger will not directly react with oxygen, and adapted to be triggered to an active state when wetted with water which has selectively permeated the protective layer from outside of the laminate, whereupon the oxygen scavenger will directly react with oxygen, d. an outer polymeric protective layer adjacent the oxygen barrier layer on the side opposite to said scavenger layer wherein said protective layers are substantially resistant to permeation by water at ambient temperature and have enhanced transmission of water at elevated temperatures and therefore is selectively capable of permeation by water at an elevated temperature to thereby selectively permit the water to contact said oxygen scavenger composition to convert it from the passive to the active state. 44. The container of claim 43 wherein a first adhesive layer is provided between said oxygen scavenger layer and said oxygen barrier layer, and a second adhesive layer is provided between said oxygen barrier layer and said polymeric layer. 45. The container of claim 43 wherein said scavenger layer is a polymeric adhesive containing said dry oxygen scavenger composition and a second adhesive layer is provided between said barrier layer and said outer polymeric layer. 46. A multilayer polymeric container which comprises a wall which is a laminate, the laminate having only solid layers which comprises: a. a polymeric oxygen barrier layer, b. first and second polymeric layers, c. at least one first and second polymeric protective layers in protective relationship to said first and second polymeric layers, said first polymeric layer being located between said oxygen barrier layer and said first protective layer and said second polymeric layer being located between said oxygen barrier layer and said second protective layer, said first and second polymeric layers having therein a dry oxygen scavenger material, the material being capable of a passive state for prolonged periods of time during which the oxygen scavenger will not directly react with oxygen, and adapted to be triggered to an active state when wetted with water which has selectively permeated the protective layer from outside of the laminate, whereupon the oxygen scavenger will directly react with oxygen, wherein said protective layers are substantially resistant to permeation by water at ambient temperature and have enhanced transmission of water at elevated temperatures and therefore are selectively capable of permeation by water at an elevated temperature to thereby selectively permit the water to contact said oxygen scavenger composition to convert it from the passive to the active state. 47. The container of claims 34, 42, 43 or 46 wherein said protective layer has enhanced transmission of water at elevated temperatures and becomes substantially resistant to permeation by water when cooled, so that the water which has permeated does not exit the laminate through said cooled protective layer, so that the scavenger material remains activated to absorb oxygen. 48. The container of claims 34, 39, 42, 43 or 46 wherein said oxygen scavenger material is an alkali and a gelatin and that said gelatin has been heat treated with or without said alkali. 49. The container of claim 48 wherein said heat treatment consists of raising the temperature of said gelatin to greater than 300° F. for more than 5 minutes. 50. The container of claim 48 wherein said heat treatment consists of raising the temperature of said oxygen scavenger material to greater than 300° F. for more than 5 minutes. 51. The container of claim 48 wherein said alkali is sodium hydroxide. 52. The container of claims 34, 48, 42, 43 or 46 wherein the oxygen scavenger material is adapted to be triggered by water at an elevated temperature during retorting. 53. The container of claims 34, 48, 42, 43 or 46 wherein the dry oxygen scavenger material is a singular material. 54. The container of claims 34, 39, 42, 43 or 46 wherein the oxygen scavenger material is incapable of self-generating water and is triggerable without the action of any other material in the laminate. 55. The container of claims 34, 39, 42, 43 or 46 wherein said oxygen scavenger material is a sulfite salt. 56. The container of claim 55 wherein said salt is potassium sulfite. 57. The container of claims 34, 39, 42, 43 or 46 wherein there is a plurality of said protective layers overlying said oxygen scavenger layer. 58. The container of claims 34, 42, 43 or 46 wherein said polymeric protective layer is olefinic. 59. The container of claim 58 wherein said olefinic material is a melt blend of polyethylene and polypropylene. 60. The container of claim 59 wherein said polyethylene and polypropylene are in substantially equal proportions. 61. The container of claims 39, 42, 43 or 46 wherein said oxygen barrier layer is an ethylene vinyl alcohol co-polymer. 62. The container of claims 39, 42, 43 or 46 wherein said layers are laminated and the oxygen scavenger material is within a melt processible polymeric layer which is in contact with said oxygen barrier layer and said polymeric protective layer. 63. The container of claim 62 wherein said layers are co-extruded. 64. The container of claim 62 wherein said layers are co-injected. 65. The container of claim 62 wherein said layers are thermoformed. 66. The container of claim 62 wherein said melt-processable polymeric layer is olefinic. 67. A method of producing a multilayer polymeric laminate which comprises forming a polymeric laminate, the laminate having only solid layers which comprises: a. at least one polymeric protective layer in protective relation to an oxygen scavenger material in another layer of the laminate, and b. a polymeric layer having incorporated therein a dry oxygen scavenger material, the material being capable of a passive state for prolonged periods of time during which the oxygen scavenger will not directly react with oxygen, and triggerable to an active state when wetted with water which has selectively permeated the protective layer from outside the laminate, whereupon the oxygen scavenger will directly react with oxygen, wherein said protective layer is substantially resistant to permeation by water at ambient temperature and has enhanced transmission of water at elevated temperatures and therefore is selectively capable of permeation by water at an elevated temperature to thereby selectively permit the water to contact said oxygen scavenger material to convert it from the passive to the active state. 68. The method of claim 67 wherein a second polymeric protective layer is disposed on the side of said oxygen scavenger layer opposite to said first protective layer. 69. The method of claim 68 wherein a polymeric oxygen barrier layer is provided between said oxygen scavenger layer and said first protective layer. 70. A method of producing a multilayer polymeric laminate which comprises forming a polymeric laminate, the laminate having only solid layers comprised of: a polymeric oxygen barrier layer, and, adhered thereto, at least one polymeric protective layer in protective relation to a dry oxygen scavenger material incorporated in said polymeric protective layer, said oxygen scavenger material, being capable of a passive state for prolonged periods of time in which the oxygen scavenger will not directly react with oxygen, and triggerable to an active state when wetted with water which has selectively permeated the protective polymeric layer from outside thereof, whereupon the oxygen scavenger will directly react with oxygen, wherein said protective layer is substantially resistant to permeation by water at ambient temperature and has enhanced transmission of water at elevated temperatures and therefore is selectively capable of permeation by water at an elevated temperature to thereby selectively permit the water to contact said oxygen scavenger material to convert it from the passive to the active state. 71. The method of claim 70 wherein an outer polymeric layer is provided adjacent the oxygen barrier layer on the side opposite to said scavenger layer. 72. A method of producing a multilayer polymeric laminate which comprises forming a multilayer polymeric laminate, the laminate having only solid layers which comprises: a. a polymeric oxygen barrier layer, b. at least one polymeric protective layer in protective relation to a scavenger material incorpoated in another layer of the laminate, c. a polymeric layer between said oxygen barrier layer and said protective layer and having therein a dry oxygen scavenger composition, the composition being capable of a passive state for prolonged periods of time during which the oxygen scavenger will not directly react with oxygen, and adapted to be triggered to an active state when wetted with water which has selectively permeated the protective layer from outside of the laminate, whereupon the oxygen scavenger will directly react with oxygen, wherein said protective layer is substantially resistant to permeation by water at ambient temperature and has enhanced transmission of water at elevated temperatures and therefore is selectively capable of permeation by water at an elevated temperature to thereby selectively permit the water to contact said oxygen scavenger material to convert it from the passive to the active state. 73. A method of producing a multilayer polymeric laminate which comprises forming a solid polymeric laminate, the laminate having only solid layers which comprises: a. a polymeric oxygen barrier layer, b. at least one polymeric protective layer in protective relation to an oxygen scavenger material in another layer of the laminate, c. a polymeric layer between said oxygen barrier layer and said protective layer and having therein a dry oxygen scavenger material, the material being capable of a passive state for prolonged periods of time during which the oxygen scavenger will not directly react with oxygen, and adapted to be triggered to an active state when wetted with water which has selectively permeated the protective layer from outside of the laminate, whereupon the oxygen scavenger will directly react with oxygen, d. an outer polymeric protective layer adjacent the oxygen barrier layer on the side opposite to said scavenger layer wherein said protective layers are substantially resistant to permeation by water at ambient temperature and have enhanced transmission of water at elevated temperatures, and therefore is selectively capable of permeation by water at an elevated temperature to thereby selectively permit the water to contact said oxygen scavenger material to convert it from the passive to the active state. 74. The method of claim 73 wherein a first adhesive layer is provided between said oxygen scavenger layer and said oxygen barrier layer, and a second adhesive layer is provided between said oxygen barrier layer and said polymeric layer. 75. The method of claim 73 wherein said scavenger layer is a polymeric adhesive containing said dry oxygen scavenger composition and a second adhesive layer is provided between said barrier layer and said outer polymeric layer. 76. A method of producing a multilayer polymeric laminate which comprises forming a polymeric laminate, the laminate having only solid layers which comprises: a. a polymeric oxygen barrier layer, b. first and second polymeric layers, c. at least one first and second polymeric protective layers in protective relationship to said first and second polymeric layers, said first polymeric layer being located between said oxygen barrier layer and said first protective layer, and said second polymeric layer being located between said oxygen barrier layer and said second polymeric protective layer, said first and second polymeric layers having therein a dry oxygen scavenger material, the material being capable of a passive state for prolonged periods of time during which the oxygen scavenger will not directly react with oxygen, and adapted to be triggered to an active state when wetted with water which has selectively permeated the protective layer from outside of the laminate, whereupon the oxygen scavenger will directly react with oxygen, wherein said protective layer is substantially resistant to permeation by water at ambient temperature and has enhanced transmission of water at elevated temperatures and therefore is selectively capable of permeation by water at an elevated temperature to thereby selectively permit the water to contact said oxygen scavenger material to convert it from the passive to the active state. 77. The method of claims 67, 72, 73 or 76 wherein said protective layer has enhanced transmission of water at elevated temperatures and becomes substantially resistant to permeation by water when cooled so that the water which has permeated does not exit the laminate through said cooled protective layer, so that the scavenger material remains activated to absorb oxygen. 78. The method of claims 67, 70, 72, 73 or 76 wherein said oxygen scavenger material is an alkali and a gelatin and that said gelatin has been heat treated with or without said alkali. 79. The method of claim 78 wherein said heat treatment consists of raising the temperature of said gelatin to greater than 300° F. for more than 5 minutes. 80. The method of claim 78 wherein said heat treatment consists of raising the temperature of said oxygen scavenger material to greater than 300° F. for more than 5 minutes. 81. The method of claim 78 wherein said alkali is sodium hydroxide. 82. The method of claims 67, 70, 72, 73 or 76 wherein the oxygen scavenger material is adapted to be triggered by water at an elevated temperature during retorting. 83. The method of claims 67, 70,72, 73 or 76 wherein the dry oxygen scavenger material is a singular material. 84. The laminate of claims 67, 70, 72, 73 or 76 wherein the oxygen scavenger material is incapable of self-generating water and is triggerable without the action of any other material in the laminate. 85. The method of claims 67, 70, 72, 73 or 76 wherein said oxygen scavenger material is a sulfite salt. 86. The method of claim 85 wherein said salt is potassium sulfite. 87. The method of claims 67, 70, 72, 73 or 76 wherein there is a plurality of said protective layers overlying said oxygen scavenger layer. 88. The method of claims 67, 72, 73 or 76 wherein said polymeric protective layer is olefinic. 89. The method of claim 88 wherein said olefinic material is a melt blend of polyethylene and polypropylene. 90. The method of claim 89 wherein said polyethylene and polypropylene are in substantially equal proportions. 91. The method of claims 70, 72, 73 or 76 wherein said oxygen barrier layer is an ethylene vinyl alcohol co-polymer. 92. The method of claims 70, 72, 73 or 76 wherein said layers are laminated and the oxygen scavenger material is within a melt processible polymeric layer which is in contact with said oxygen barrier layer and said polymeric protective layer. 93. The method of claim 92 wherein said layers are co-extruded. 94. The method of claim 92 wherein said layers are co-injected. 95. The method of claim 92 wherein said layers are thermoformed. 96. The method of claim 92 wherein said melt processible polymeric layer is olefinic. 97. A method of producing a triggered solid polymeric multilayer food container having only solid layers which comprises: a. mixing a polymeric material with a dry oxygen scavenger composition to form a thermoplastic mixture, said oxygen scavenger composition being capable of a passive state for prolonged periods of time during which the oxygen scavenger will not directly react with oxygen, and adapted to be triggered to an active state when wetted with water which has selectively permeated a protective layer from outside of the laminate whereupon it will directly react with oxygen, b. forming a multilayer polymeric laminate containing: i. at least one polymeric protective layer in protective relation to an oxygen scavenger material in another layer of the laminate, and ii. a polymeric layer of said thermoplastic mixture having incorporated therein said dry oxygen scavenger material, wherein said protective layer is substantially resistant to permeation by water at ambient temperature and has enhanced transmission of water at elevated temperatures and therefore is selectively capable of permeation by water at an elevated temperature to thereby selectively permit the water to contact said oxygen scavenger material to convert it from the passive to the active state, c. forming the laminate into a container and maintaining the container in its dry state, d. filling the container with a comestible containing water and e. retorting the container thereby to activate the oxygen scavenger material into its active state. 98. The method of claims 97, wherein a second polymeric protective layer is disposed on the side of said oxygen scavenger layer opposite to said first protective layer. 99. The method of claim 98 wherein a polymeric oxygen barrier layer is provided between said oxygen scavenger layer and said first protective layer. 100. A method of producing a triggered polymeric multilayer food container having only solid layers which comprises: a. mixing a polymeric material with a dry oxygen scavenger composition to form a thermoplastic mixture, said oxygen scavenger composition being capable of a passive state for prolonged periods of time during which the oxygen scavenger will not directly react with oxygen, and adapted to be triggered to an active state when wetted with water which has selectively permeated a protective layer from outside of the laminate whereupon it will directly react with oxygen, b. forming a multilayer polymeric laminate containing: a polymeric oxygen barrier layer, and, adhered thereto, at least one polymeric protective layer in protective relation to said dry oxygen scavenger composition incorporated in said polymeric protective layer, wherein said protective layer is substantially resistant to permeation by water at ambient temperature and has enhanced transmission of water at elevated temperatures and therefore is selectively capable of permeation by water at an elevated temperature to thereby selectively permit the water to contact said oxygen scavenger material to convert it from the passive to the active state, c. forming the laminate into a container and maintaining the container in its dry state, d. filling the container with a comestible containing water, and e. retorting the container therby to activate the oxygen scavenger material into its active state. 101. The method of claim 100 wherein an outer polymeric layer is provided adjacent the oxygen barrier layer on the side opposite to said scavenger layer. 102. A method of producing a triggered polymeric multilayer food container having only solid layers which comprises: a. mixing a polymeric material with a dry oxygen scavenger composition to form a thermoplastic mixture, said oxygen scavenger composition being capable of a passive state for prolonged periods of time during which the oxygen scavenger will not directly react with oxygen, and adapted to be triggered to an active state when wetted with water which has selectively permeated a protective layer from outside of the laminate whereupon it will directly react with oxygen, b. forming a multilayer polymeric laminate containing: i. a polymeric oxygen barrier layer, ii. at least one polymeric protective layer in protective relation to an oxygen scavenger material incorporated in another layer of the laminate, iii. a polymeric layer of said thermoplastic mixture between said oxygen barrier layer and said protective layer and having therein said dry oxygen scavenger material, wherein said protective layer is substantially resistant to permeation by water at ambient temperature and has enhanced transmission of water at elevated temperatures and therefore is selectively capable of permeation by water at an elevated temperature to thereby selectively permit the water to contact said oxygen scavenger material to convert it from the passive to the active state, c. forming the laminate into a container and maintaining the container in its dry state, d. filling the container with a comestible containing water and e. retorting the container thereby to activate the oxygen scavenger material into its active state. 103. A method of producing a triggered polymeric multilayer food container having only solid layers which comprises: a. mixing a polymeric material with a dry oxygen scavenger composition to form a thermoplastic mixture, said oxygen scavenger composition being capable of a passive state for prolonged periods of time during which the oxygen scavenger will not directly react with oxygen, and adapted to be triggered to an active state when wetted with water which has selectively permeated a protective layer from outside of the laminate whereupon it will directly react with oxygen, b. forming a multilayer polymeric laminate containing: i. a polymeric oxygen barrier layer, ii. at least one polymeric protective layer in protective relation to an oxygen scavenger material in another layer of the laminate, iii. a polymeric layer of said thermoplastic mixture between said oxygen barrier layer and said protective layer and having therein said dry oxygen scavenger material, iv. an outer polymeric protective layer adjacent the oxygen barrier layer on the side opposite to said scavenger layer wherein said protective layers are substantially resistant to permeation by water at ambient temperature and have enhanced transmission of water at elevated temperatures and therefore is selectively capable of permeation by water at an elevated temperature to thereby selectively permit the water to contact said oxygen scavenger material to convert it from the passive to the active state, c. forming the laminate into a container and maintaining the container in its dry state, d. filling the container with a comestible containing water and e. retorting the container thereby to activate the oxygen scavenger material into its active state. 104. The method of claim 103 wherein a first adhesive layer is provided between said oxygen scavenger layer and said oxygen barrier layer, and a second adhesive layer is provided between said oxygen barrier layer and said polymeric layer. 105. The method of claim 103 wherein said scavenger layer is a polymeric adhesive containing said dry oxygen scavenger composition and a second adhesive layer is provided between said barrier layer and said outer polymeric layer. 106. A method of producing a triggered polymeric multilayer food container having only solid layers which comprises: a. mixing a polymeric material with a dry oxygen scavenger composition to form a thermoplastic mixture, said oxygen scavenger composition being capable of a passive state for prolonged periods of time during which the oxygen scavenger will not directly react with oxygen, and adapted to be triggered to an active state when wetted with water which has selectively permeated a protective layer from outside of the laminate whereupon it will directly react with oxygen, b. forming a multilayer polymeric laminate containing: i. a polymeric oxygen barrier layer, ii. first and second polymeric layers, iii. at least one first and second polymeric protective layers in protective relationship to said first and second polymeric layers, a first polymeric layer of said thermoplastic mixture being located between said oxygen barrier layer and said first protective layer, and a second polymeric layer of said thermoplastic mixture being located between said oxygen barrier layer said second polymeric protective layer, said first and second polymeric layers having therein said dry oxygen scavenger material, wherein said protective layer is substantially resistant to permeation by water at ambient temperature and has enhanced transmission of water at elevated temperatures and therefore is selectively capable of permeation by water at an elevated temperature to thereby selectively permit the water to contact said oxygen scavenger material to convert it from the passive to the active state, c. forming the laminate into a container and maintaining the container in its dry state, d. filling the container with a comestible containing water and e. retorting the container thereby to activate the oxygen scavenger material into its active state. 107. The method of claims 97, 102, 103 or 106 wherein said protective layer has enhanced transmission of water at elevated temperatures and becomes substantially resistant to permeation by water when cooled, so that the water which has permeated does not exit the laminate through said cooled protective layer, so that the scavenger material remains activated to absorb oxygen. 108. The method of claims 97, 100, 102, 103 or 106 wherein said oxygen scavenger material is an alkali and a gelatin and that said gelatin has been heat treated with or without said alkali. 109. The method of claim 108 wherein said heat treatment consists of raising the temperature of said gelatin to greater than 300° F. for more than 5 minutes. 110. The method of claim 108 wherein said heat treatment consists of raising the temperature of said oxygen scavenger material to greater than 300° F. for more than 5 minutes. 111. The method of claim 108 wherein said alkali is sodium hydroxide. 112. The method of claims 97, 100, 102, 103 or 106 wherein the oxygen scavenger material is adapted to be triggered by water at an elevated temperature during retorting. 113. The method of claims 97, 100, 102, 103 or 106 wherein the dry oxygen scavenger material is a singular material. 114. The method of claims 97, 100, 102, 103 or 106 wherein the oxygen scavenger material is incapable of self-generating water and is triggerable without the action of any other material in the laminate. 115. The method of claims 97, 100, 102, 103 or 106 wherein said oxygen scavenger material is a sulfite salt. 116. The method of claim 115, wherein said salt is potassium sulfite. 117. The method of claims 97, 100, 102, 103 or 106 wherein there is a plurality of said protective layers overlying said oxygen scavenger layer. 118. The method of claims 97, 102, 103 or 106 wherein said polymeric protective layer is olefinic. 119. The method of claim 118 wherein said olefinic material is a melt blend of polyethylene and polypropylene. 120. The method of claim 119 wherein said polyethylene and polypropylene are in substantially equal proportions. 121. The method of claims 100, 102, 103 or 106 wherein said oxygen barrier layer is an ethylene vinyl alcohol co-polymer. 122. The method of claims 100, 102, 103 or 106 wherein said layers are formed by laminating and the oxygen scavenger material is within a melt processible polymeric layer which is in contact with said oxygen barrier layer and said polymeric protective layer. 123. The method of claim 122 wherein said layers are co-extruded. 124. The method of claim 122 wherein said layers are co-injected. 125. The method of claim 122 wherein said layers are thermoformed.